Case Study Demonstration of the Potential Acceptability and Effectiveness of a Novel Telehealth Treatment for People Experiencing Gambling Harm

Abstract

The evidence base for internet therapies is building but little is known yet about the acceptability and effectiveness of providing telehealth online in a group format for the treatment of gambling disorders. Therefore, this uncontrolled, real-world study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of providing evidence-based treatment in a group format using an online platform. This innovative approach to treatment of people experiencing gambling harm was developed during the COVID pandemic so that gamblers could access evidence-based treatment from their homes. A closed group treatment program was developed using telehealth, enabling gamblers to come together weekly to engage in a treatment program based on behavioral therapy using cue exposure. Four online gamblers who met the criteria for Gambling Disorder were recruited from a gambling help service. A case report evaluation methodology was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the effectiveness of this approach to treatment. Treatment was conducted weekly over 12 months. All participants engaged with the program and after completing treatment participants no longer met the criteria for a Gambling Disorder, were abstinent for 12 months post treatment and achieved improved life functioning. This program provides preliminary evidence that providing treatment online in a group setting can be an acceptable and effective model in the delivery of treatment for clients unable to attend face-to-face clinics or preferring telemedicine as an option for treatment delivery. These findings warrant further exploration through a larger randomized controlled study.